Dentistry is a broad medical field that focuses on oral health, including teeth, gums, nerves in the mouth and jaw. Orthodontics, on the other hand, is a specialty of dentistry that deals with correcting the bite, the way the teeth meet and the alignment of the teeth. This blog will explain the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist to help patients better understand. A dentist is a medical professional who has completed a four-year dental degree program and is licensed to practice dentistry. They are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums.
Dentists can perform a variety of procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions and more. They can also provide preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. An orthodontist is also a dental professional who has completed a four-year dental degree program and is licensed to practice dentistry. However, they have also completed an additional two to three years of specialized training in orthodontics. Orthodontists are experts in diagnosing, preventing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws.
They use braces, retainers and other appliances to correct misalignment issues. Orthodontists can also provide preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. The main difference between a dentist and an orthodontist is that an orthodontist has specialized training in diagnosing, preventing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. While dentists can provide preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, they are not trained to diagnose or treat misalignment issues. Orthodontists are experts in this area and can provide specialized treatment for misalignment issues. In conclusion, there are several differences between a dentist and an orthodontist.
Dentists are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums while orthodontists have specialized training in diagnosing, preventing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Both dentists and orthodontists can provide preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments.
